Sabudana Khichadi Recipe For Babies and Toddlers.

 

 As the baby transitions from milk to solid foods, introducing a variety of nutritious options becomes crucial for their growth and development. Sabudana Khichidi offers a delightful blend of taste and health benefits suitable for your little one. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to prepare sabudana khichdi specifically for babies.

Nutritional Benefits of Sabudana Khichdi:

Sabudana, also known as tapioca pearls, is rich in carbohydrates, making it an excellent source of energy for your growing baby. Additionally, it contains essential minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium, contributing to bone development and overall health. Sabudana is also easy to digest, making it a gentle option for babies who are just beginning to explore solid foods. 

Is Sabudana Good For Babies?

Sabudana, or tapioca pearls, can offer some high benefits when introduced to babies in a moderate amount. Sabudana is rich in carbohydrates, which provide a quick source of energy for babies. Tapioca pearls are easy to digest, which can be beneficial for babies who may have sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. Additionally, sabudana becomes soft and chewy in texture when cooked properly, making it suitable for babies who are transitioning to solid foods and learning to chew. Sabudana can be introduced once the baby has started eating other solid foods. However, as with any new food, it's recommended to consult with a pediatrician before introducing sabudana into a baby's diet to ensure it's appropriate for your baby's dietary needs.

When can I Introduce  Sabudana to My  Baby?

Sabudana can be given to babies from 6 -8 months of age, once they have started eating solid foods and have been introduced to a variety of other foods like rice, vegetables &  fruits. Start with purees. Cook the sabudana pearls with water (you can add some sweeteners), strain them, and give the thick sabudana water alone. Observe for any allergies and then gradually include the mashed sabudana pearls as well. Follow for 2-3 days. If your baby does not have any allergies, continue with sabudana. Cook the sabudana properly till it turns soft and spongy. Don't be tempted to overcook the sabudana as it will turn sticky.

However, Before introducing sabudana to your baby, it's advisable to consult with your pediatrician as they can provide guidance specific to your baby's individual needs and any potential concerns.

How Much Sabudana Can Be Given To a Baby?

Sabudana can be very beneficial for babies when given in a moderate amount. Initially, Give only 2-3 teaspoons of cooked sabudana to your baby and slowly increase the quantity. Sabudhana is rich in carbohydrates and starch but it lacks significant amounts of other essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals. Hence it is advisable to feed sabudana to babies occasionally and always load sabudana with nuts, milk, or vegetables for added nutrients.

Buying Guides: How To Select and Store Sabudana For Kids?

Sabudana is easily available in all grocery stores. Check the expiry date of its package before buying it.

Sabudana comes in two types: Nylon and Common Sabudana. Opt for common sabudana as it is less processed, whereas nylon sabudana is partially pre-cooked (steamed and dried) before packaging.

Sabudana comes in different sizes. Select a medium or large-size sabudana, which is suitable for most of the recipes and gives a nice texture.

Select even and white color pearls, as sabudana comes in different grades. 

Store the sabudana in a dry and airtight container after buying. Keep it in a cool and dry place, away from moisture.

Health Benefits Of Sabudana for Babies:

1. Sabudana acts as an energy booster as it contains lots of carbohydrates, and keeps the baby energetic throughout the day.

2. Sabudana is easy to digest and is gentle on a baby's tummy, additionly it is beneficial in treating bloating, gas, flatulence, indigestion, and diarrhea in babies and kids.

3. Best summer food for children as sabudana naturally cools the body.

4. Sabudana doesn't have gluten, so it's safe for babies who might have problems with gluten.

5. When cooked right, sabudana gets soft, spongy, and chewy, which is great for babies learning to eat solid foods.

6. You can make sabudana in different delicious ways, like pudding or porridge, so babies and kids can have fun trying new flavors.

Sabudana Recipes For Babies and Toddlers :

Sabuda Porridge For Babies ( 6 Months +) :

Sabudana porridge is a great recipe if you are introducing sabudana to your baby.  

  1. Wash the sabudana 2-3 times with a clean water.

2. Soak the sabudana for 2-3 hours / overnight.

3. Add a cup of water to a pan.

4. Boil the water till it starts boiling.

5. Add the sabudana to the boiling milk. Keep the flame low to avoid burning.

6. Cook for 5-6 mins on medium to low flame. 

7. Add ghee and jaggery to enhance the taste. (optional)

8. You can strain the sabudana pearls and offer the water alone or you can blend it in a blender.

Sabudana Khichadi For Babies and Toddlers (8 months +) :

Sabudana khichadi is an easy snack recipe made with sabudana, peanuts, and potatoes. It is too soft and mild on the stomach. You can give this sabudana khichadi to babies once they have started eating a variety of other family foods.

1. Wash a cup of sabudana 2-3 times in clean water.

2. Soak the sabudana in 1/4th cup of water overnight.

3. Heat a pan on medium to low flame. Add 1-2 tablespoons of ghee.

4. Once the ghee is heated add a pinch of cumin seeds and Let them splutter for a few seconds(optional).

5.  Add a boiled and mashed potato (medium-sized)  and mix them well with the ghee and cumin seeds. Keep the flame low to avoid burning.

6.  Add the soaked sabudana to the pan and mix it well with the potato

7. Add 1/4 cup of peanut powder and salt as per the test. Mix them well together.

8. To make the sabudana khichadi mode soft for your babies add 2-3 tablespoons of cow milk in it. Cover the pan with a lid and cook it for 1 minute on low flame.

9. After one minute take off the lid and mix well. 

Sabudana Kheer  (1 year +):

You can give sabudana kheer to your baby, once the baby is one year old after introducing cow milk. Delicious-tasting kheer made with sabudana, milk, and nuts.

1. Take 1/2 cup of sabudana and wash the sabudana 2-3 times. Then soak the sabudana in enough water to cover them completely. Let them soak for about 2-3 hours. Drain excess water.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a pan, add the drained sabudana, and cook for 1 min over medium flame. Stair occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Add a cup of milk and let it boil for a minute on low to medium flame. Stair occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Add sugar (or any sweeter for your choice) and mix well until it dissolves completely. Cook it on low flame to prevent it from burning.

5. Cook until the sabudana pearls become translucent and soft. Stair occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Garnish the kheer with chopped nuts of your choice. 

Sabudana Uttapa / Dosa /Idli Batter  (8-10 months+) :

It is a quick and easy breakfast recipe for babies and toddlers you can make for a busy morning. Surve it with chutney, dal, or sambar to enhance the taste.

1. Take a pan and roast a cup of sabudana on low to medium heat for 5 mins.

2. Once the sabudana starts changing its colour turn off the gas. Let the sabudana cool.

3. Grind the sabudana with 1 cup of rava.

4. Add salt as per taste. Add 1/2 tablespoon black paper powder. You can store it in a dry and clean container for some days.

5. Take some mixture in a bowl. Add some water and curd to give it a liquid texture and mix it well.

6. keep it aside for 15 minutes.

7. You can make uttapa, idali, or dosa out of it.